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Matty the Damned has noticed that from time to time HIV+ heterosexual members lament the dearth of HIV specific services that cater to their particular needs. He understands where they're coming from.

In Australia HIV services are very much oriented towards gay men due to the epidemiological realities of the pandemic here. But much of the criticisms that our straight brethren make are true. It's very difficult to participate in a support group or similar when you're the only one of your kind and it seems like everyone else is speaking a different language.

By and large down here, HIV positive heterosexuals are ignored by other poz people. Old hatreds and distrust runs deep.

Here in NSW, the Department of Health funds an outfit that is designed to cater to the particular needs of heterosexual men and women. I know it's not much immediate use to people in other countries, but PozHet has been quite successful here and is highly respected in the wider positive community.

PozHet was originally called "Straight Arrows" but somewhere along the way they changed their name. Given that I'm not a heterosexual I've not had any direct contact with them, but as I said they have a good reputation here.

Why do I provide this link? Well, the HIV services and support structures that gay men have today came about because of grassroots activism. Somebody got off their backsides and did something to address an obvious problem. The same thing is true about PozHet. HIV positive heterosexuals identified a need here in NSW and went about doing something for themselves. Their labours have been rewarded.

Maybe HIV positive heterosexuals in other countries will be inspired by what PozHet are doing down here.

Canada is far too politically correct for something like that to take hold. I am almost always seen as a "heterosexual white male" before I'm seen as a PWA by many so-called social do-gooders in this part of the world.

Crap. Canada and Australia are very much alike. If heterosexuals here can do it they can do it there.

You defeat yourself before you even begin.

My point is simple. If you want things to change you've gotta do something yourself. Sitting on your fat backside and bitching all the time will get you nowhere. Why don't you make contact with the people at PozHet and ask for some advice and support?

Canada is far too politically correct for something like that to take hold. I am almost always seen as a "heterosexual white male" before I'm seen as a PWA by many so-called social do-gooders in this part of the world.

That's why the this whole business of "political correctness" is generally boggling to me. I would think that having an organization like this (or perhaps advocating for one) would be considered the "politically correct" thing to do.

I have to say, though...that statement also makes me wonder to what degree you battle against this perception from the "do-gooders" in your part of the world. As in, I generally believe people will be perceived however they wish if they are insistant on it enough.

Just thoughts.

EDIT TO SAY: I did not see Matty's post as I put this one up. It looks like we are very much in agreement on our take of it.

That's why the this whole business of "political correctness" is generally boggling to me. I would think that having an organization like this (or perhaps advocating for one) would be considered the "politically correct" thing to do.

It should be considered the politically correct thing to do but in my experience it is not. It's hard for people to see heterosexual whites as being in a position of social disadvantage. Also, many of these do-gooders mix their social causes so while they may be advocates of greater access to services for PWA's they are also up in arms in the fight against white priviledge. How can one advocate on behalf of services needed for a segment of the population that they generally dislike, or perhaps better put, see as being born into a position of perpetual social advantage?

Checked out the site. Wishes they had something like it here. My ASO does all it can and I guess there is a support group but has never gone. Why? Where I am, more than likely people would be more into hooking up than support. I guess I shouldn't say that considering that I have never gone. I know there are other hetero poz people here but I can't seem to find them.

Where I am, more than likely people would be more into hooking up than support

This is a valid concern and one that I'm sure the women's organizations are worried about. I imagine that there would be some people there looking to "hook up" but I'd wager they'd be in the minority. Plus, I'm sure it would be no more meat markety than an ASO that serves the MSM community... (although I really have no idea, merely speculating...)

There was a 30 second story today on the local news about heterosexual women with HIV having difficulties with their doctors who were not understanding them and not giving them the support they needed. It was local news, so basically the research was nil and the anchors didn't know what they were talking about. What I wanted to find was a link to more information from their website, nothing, zilch. I emailed them earlier today asking for more information about this study and what was done to help those women, no reply yet.

I've been in a couple of support groups, am still in one of them. Specifically for gay men, and if there's one stereotype pretty true about gay guys it must be that we don't ever tend to miss any opportunity for hooking up. Yet these groups have definitely not been about that. Friendships forged, yes, but definitely not quick hookups.

I think you should give your local hetero group a chance. I obviously don't know what it's like to be a straight and poz but I imagine it can be pretty lonely. So to find others you have to actually go out there and seek them out!

And Matty's right - where nothing is available, try starting something up - the need is definitely there.

Poznet seems to be a New South Wales organisation, as Straight Arrows still operates out of Fairfield House in Comercial Road, Prahan in Victoria and is also based in Hobart care of Tascahrd in Liverpool Street.